Usefulness of Pulse Oximeter That Can Measure SpO2 to One Digit After Decimal Point.

Pulse oximeters are used to noninvasively measure oxygen saturation in arterial blood (SaO2). Although arterial oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximeter (SpO2) is usually indicated in 1% increments, the value of SaO2 from arterial blood gas analysis is not an integer. We have developed a new pulse oximeter that can measure SpO2 to one digit after the decimal point. The values of SpO2 from the newly developed pulse oximeter are highly correlated with the values of SaO2 from arterial blood gas analysis (SpO2 = 0.899 × SaO2 + 9.944, r = 0.887, P < 0.0001). This device may help improve the evaluation of pathological conditions in patients.